CNB arrests suspected drug traffickers in luxury cars, various drugs seized worth more than S$186,000

In the evening of 16 July 2012, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) disrupted drug trafficking activities involving suspected local and overseas drug traffickers, arresting three men (two Singaporeans, one Malaysian) and a Vietnamese woman. In total, CNB seized drugs estimated to be worth more than S$186,000, including approximately 2,663 Erimin-5 tablets/capsules; 830 Ecstasy tablets; 672 grammes of ‘Ice’, 510 grammes of ketamine; 453 grammes of cannabis and 7 grammes of heroin. More than S$60,000 in cash and three saloon cars, including a BMW and Lexus, were also seized.

Traffickers arrested at Eunos and Bedok

CNB launched an operation on 16 July, targeting two Singaporean men, aged 37 and 31, who were believed to be running a syndicate, distributing multiple drugs locally. At about 7.40pm, CNB officers observed a Malaysian-registered Proton Saga entering a carpark in the Eunos area. It was driven by a 37-year-old Malaysian man. At about 8pm, officers spotted the 37-year-old Singaporean suspected trafficker entering the same carpark in a black BMW. After they met and departed, CNB officers moved in and arrested the Malaysian man. Officers searched him and found S$2,172 and RM349 in cash.

Meanwhile, CNB officers followed the 37-year-old Singaporean in the BMW from Eunos to the vicinity of Bedok Reservoir Road and he was arrested in the vicinity of Jalan Tenaga. From the BMW and the ground beside the driver’s side, CNB officers recovered a variety of drugs, including about 1,813 Erimin-5 tablets; 410 Ecstasy tablets; 169 grammes of ketamine; 106 grammes of ‘Ice’ and seven grammes of heroin. Drug trafficking paraphernalia, such as packing material (clear tape and empty packets), glass apparatus for consuming drugs and S$29,850 in cash were also recovered.

Concurrent operation at Kembangan

Concurrently, another team of CNB officers was monitoring a serviced apartment in the Kembangan area. At about 8.15pm, they spotted the 31-year-old Singaporean suspect who was accompanied by a 24-year-old Vietnamese woman. Officers moved in and arrested the pair.

Officers searched the 31-year-old man, recovering from him approximately 480 Erimin-5 tablets; 140 grammes of ‘Ice’; 106 Ecstasy tablets; 93 grammes of ketamine; 15 grammes of cannabis and S$684 in cash. CNB officers conducted a follow-up raid at one of the units in the serviced apartment, where the 31-year-old Singaporean suspect was hiding, and recovered about 388 grammes of cannabis; 300 Erimin-5 tablets; 224 grammes of ‘Ice,’ 208 grammes of ketamine and 50 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets from the unit. Drug trafficking paraphernalia, such as digital weighing scales, plastic packets and S$20,524 in cash were also recovered. Another 24 grammes of ‘Ice’ and 2 Erimin-5 capsules were also recovered from the man’s car, a Lexus.

Raid at Choa Chu Kang hide-out

At about 10.15pm the same night, CNB officers conducted a follow-up raid of a HDB unit in Choa Chu Kang Central suspected to be the hide-out of the 37-year-old arrested in Bedok. From this unit, the officers recovered about 264 Ecstasy tablets, 178 grammes of ‘Ice,’ 68 Erimin-5 tablets; 50 grammes of cannabis; and 40 grammes of ketamine. Apparatus for consuming drugs and S$7,000 in cash were also seized.

The three men are being investigated for drug trafficking. The two 37-year-old men, if convicted, would face a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and five strokes of the cane. The other 31 year old Singaporean, if convicted, would face a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. The Vietnamese woman is being investigated for drug consumption. If convicted, she faces a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a S$20,000 fine or both.

Summary of seizures

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
17 JULY 2012